Ticked off? Bug expert will provide tips for coping with pests

HANOVER — Why ticks are popping up all over the Upper Valley and how to live safely with them is the topic of a Sept. 11 talk at Howe Library.

The talk — Ticked Off? — will be led by Alan Eaton, an entomologist and integrated pest management coordinator for University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension.

Eaton plans to share his knowledge about the biology and management of ticks with preserved specimens and a microscope for identification on hand.

Eaton has a BS, an MS and PhD in Entomology and since 1978 has been working on how to manage pest problems, using multiple tactics, instead of solely chemical sprays.

Eaton's presentation will be followed by a roundtable discussion and question and answer time with Julia Griffin, Hanover's Town Manager; Hanover Conservancy's Adair Mulligan; New Hampshire Fish and Game Conservation Officer Tom Dakai: licensed forester Jeff Smith; and Nick Reo, an ecologist with Dartmouth College.

Information including a list of reference publications and web links on ticks and tick-related diseases will also be handed out at the talk.